Etrog Citron is available now in some specialty food stores. It is available in late Fall and early Winer. The Etrog citron looks like a large, knobby and sometimes ribbed lemon. It is a species of citrus fruit and is related to the Buddah’s Hand. One characteristic of this variety of citrus is a very thick rind and aromatic skin. It has very small sections and many, many seeds. The flesh of the Etrog is neither particularly sweet nor sour and sometimes there is very little to even taste. Its botanical name is Citrus medica
Have you ever tasted an Etrog Citron. I have. I like the taste . I cannot describe the taste- I know as stated it is neither sweet nor sour. It has many health benefits.
One story from the Torah claims the Etrog was the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden, and not in fact an actual apple. I thought it was a pomegranate and NOT an apple. Never heard it was an Etrog
The health benefits from ingesting etrog are numerous . Studies have been done on its anti oxidant, and anti microbial benefits. It does contain high levels of limonoids which are found in a very few citrous fruits. It has been studied that these substances have inhibitory effects of many inflammatory pathways The antimicrobial benefits are attributed by specific limonoids as limonin and nomilin.
An etrog is high is calcium, about 166.0 mg and about 16.7 grams of carbohydrates of which all 16.6 grams are dietary fiber.
Although etrog differ in size, shape and color I would encourage you try one during this time of the year. Put it on your bucket list- do not be as cautious as you would be by its shape— try it you’ll like it.